HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-17-2024_Open Session_General Comment_Lacasse, Bruce_any links sanitizedFrom:bruce lacasse
To:CityClerkDepartment
Subject:Reconsideration of Partnership Contract with the City of San Bernardino Animal Services.
Date:Tuesday, January 16, 2024 10:06:29 PM
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Dear City of San Bernardino Elected Officials,
I am writing to express deep concern regarding the recent authorization by the City Council of
San Bernardino to finalize and execute a partnership contract between the City of San
Bernardino Department of Animal Services and the cities of Fontana, Rialto and Colton.
The greatest of concern is due to the most recent statistics report that shows In 2023, a
concerning statistic revealed that approximately 45% of cats and 20% of dogs in the SBC
shelter were euthanized, and believe it is far worse than that which will not improve with the
increase of intakes of the animals from these cities.
This is further exacerbated by the lack of viable programs and or services to help the
community combat the lack of access to care contributing to the crisis in the city of San
Bernardino. In addition, the facility is small and dilapidated as it has not been updated and
cared for in a long time..
There is no confidence that this will change or improve in the coming months and an offer of
temporary kenneling to accommodate the increase in intakes until the completion of a much
larger facility is another distressing concern. It will only be a matter of time before we are
overwhelmed with the animals from the City of San Bernardino and for all the animals from
the cities that are considering a contract for services.
Please consider other viable options such as extending a temporary contract with Riverside
until the County of San Bernardino completes their own facility already in progress and the
encouraging implementation of much-needed programs such as cracking down on
irresponsible breeding and a TNR program for the every growing community of feral cats.
Furthermore, this partnership contract was not coordinated or discussed with the Animal
Control Commissioners which has caused concern in the community due to the lack of
transparency or advice taken nor concerns expressed by those on the Commission that are
active animal rescuers. This contract will directly impact the efforts of rescue organizations we
depend on that are already overwhelmed and struggling to save our animals in the shelter.
The list of dead lined animals continues to increase not only in number but in frequency as
they are now distributed every few days. Continuing to address the crisis with the killing of
healthy adoptable animals is not only inhumane and unlawful but irresponsible with the
consideration of taking in thousands more.
I urge you to fully investigate the situation before acceptance and I am confident that you will
make the right decision for the sake of the community and the innocent companion animals
left to suffer from the inexcusable actions of many of our citizens.
We request that:
1. Retain the animal control commissioner.
2. The council to reconsider signing a contract with the other three cities.
3. A thorough feasibility investigation to be carried out. It is crucial that the expansion plan,
covering facility, human resources, and medical care, be made public and discussed openly.
This transparency is necessary to ensure that the SBC shelter is adequately equipped to handle
the increased animal intake without compromising their well-being.
Please accept my deepest gratitude for any consideration in a decision made using compassion
and empathy for the people and animals that are constantly affected by this urgent situation.
Sincerely,
Bruce LaCasse
(very concerned citizen)
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